Kumhrar and other excavations Patna
Patna has witnessed the rise and fall of many historical dynasties. Many rulers have left their indelible mark through through their art and architecture. Kumhrar and Didarganj Yakshi are two such important historical sites:
Kumhrar
Kumhrar or Kumrahar was once the capital of Ajatshatru, Chandragupta and Ashoka. It is located at a distance of 5 km in the east of Patna railway station. The ruins of various dynasties were found here during the excavations.
80 pillared hall
The most famous artifact that was found by the excavators is the hypo style 80–pillared hall, now called as the Assembly Hall of 80-pillars. At the time of excavation, they found 80 ‘pits’ of ash and rubble on the site which marked the position in which other pillars must have stood. Some say that under the reign of Emperor Ashoka Maurya, the third Buddhist Council was held here.
Anand Bihar
This is the excavation of the brick Buddhist monastery , along with the wooden beams and clay figures , which are kept for public display in the park.
Arogya Vihar
The existence of Arogya Vihar was found in this region during the excavation. Dhanvantari, an Indian medical practitioner was its head. Arogya Vihar is believed to be the source of Ayurveda. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has increased the plantation of herbal plants like aloe vera, tulsi, lemon grass etc in the garden of Arogya Vihar.
Durakhi Devi Temple
The excavations were done by Wadell in 1890, which exposed a two faced carved stone railing of a stupa. The name given was Durukhi or Durukhiya , which actually a specimen of the Sunga Art. The figures are seen to break the branches of the trees (Shalabhanjikas), under a fertility ritual. These were later brought to the location of Naya Tola , at Kankarbagh and worshipped also , in a temple like structure. A replica of the figures are kept in the Patna Museum.
Fee: Rs 5 from Indian citizen and Rs 100 from foreign tourists and Rs 35 in the form of monthly pass is charged from morning walkers.
Students’ trips: Darshan Yojana, a scheme organised by the state government under which the students are taken to the site to gather knowledge about their civilization and culture.
Didarganj Yakshi
The statue is now well preserved in the Patna Museum.